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| The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo hatchback makes a bold statement. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
With fierce competition in the subcompact segment coming from the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and others, the Aveo5 is ready to face that challenge. With its updated exterior design carrying over from the 2009 model year, this American-badged subcompact is still very much in the game. With a cool-looking and pretty sleek front end, the Aveo's facelift is a great improvement over the last generation. But it's not just the front end that has some styling upgrades. The tail end receives a new bumper and updated taillights. Match that with a set of 185/60R14 all-season tires around 14” steel wheels with decent looking covers and it's not a bad looking ride.
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| A unique look from the rear too. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Since the Aveo5 received quite the makeover for the 2009 model year, not too much has changed for 2010. There are, however, a few tweaks here and there to make it a more powerful and safer vehicle. First off, the Aveo5 now has a 1.6L, 16-valve- 4-cylinder, DOHC engine which produces 108 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of two horsepower from the previous 106 horsepower engine. Ok, I know that's not that much but when you're in a subcompact car, the more the merrier. Also, the Aveo5 now comes standard with seat mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and there is now a shift indicator light for the manual transmission models.
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| A cool gauge package sets the Aveo apart. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
And speaking of transmissions, the Aveo5 LT comes with the choice of a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Aveo that I drove had the automatic ($1,150). Of the two transmissions available, I would opt for the 5-speed manual. Why? Well, it's a personal preference, but I also find that smaller displacement engines perform better when I am the one calling the shots. Plus, it has better reported fuel economy while driving in the city. The automatic transmission uses an estimated 8.2L/100km in the city and 5.8L/100km on the highway whereas the manual transmission uses 7.5L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway. There is almost a litre difference when it comes to driving in the city, but even with the auto, fuel consumption is quite modest.
